How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall can be your living room an element of interest that demands attention. There are many models available, so you should choose one that is suitable for your needs.
The heat output, controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you're not aware of these features, it's best to consult a professional to help you select the right model.
Molded Squares
This living room needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its stale stone surround and dull walls. The new style is vibrant, attractive and makes the hearth the focal point of the room. A whitewashed fireplace and contemporary artwork above modernize the fireplace facade while contrasting with the gray shelves below. A few changes in color also help the facade stand out from the wall, enhancing the charm of this fireplace design.
Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. Choose a trim style that contrasts with or matches your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows, to tie the look together. If you prefer a more high-end, elegant style, choose a fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic, farmhouse-style.
Making an accent wall using wainscoting is a common way to add character any room. The same method can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and groove cedar siding or beadboard in place of plank boards to create a dramatic effect.
Another non-combustible material you can use to build the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick could be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.
If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you select is safe and conforms to all local and national codes.
Open shelves are a great way to organize books and other items, but too many can make a mess of the fireplace. The owners of this family room designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding in order to elevate the design without overwhelming open shelving.
Rustic Wood Beam
Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are perfect for a fireplace wall. They bring a timeless appeal to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are reclaimed from barns, stalls, and other buildings that were removed. Each beam has its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used in combination with wide plank ceiling panels to create a rustic look or as a decorative element to modern kitchens. They have the typical barn wood markings like mortise and nail holes as well as a natural aging process which increases their longevity.
Find salvage yards for architectural elements and flea market for wood pieces that you can repurpose into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which surrounds the fireplace wall. A pair of sconces with a natural theme and a painting of a landscape above the mantel add to the rustic ambiance of this space.
Repurposed wooden beams can provide an eye-catching statement to any room in your home. They can be left in their natural state or stained to complement your existing decor, or they can be distressed and carved to give them an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look or covered with faux finishes such as marbling paint or rust.
The wooden beams are able to serve as the central point of any fireplace. They can be placed above a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or be integrated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a burning fire.
Regardless of which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are protected from the effects of fire. Both types of material can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of drywall that is fire-resistant or commercial fire-protectant sprayed on steel I-beams. These products are available at a variety of stores for home improvement.
White Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles can be used to create a striking effect as surrounds for fireplaces. Its shape instantly brightens up the room and complements any style, whether traditional or modern. Selecting an elegant matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look, while adding some contrast to make the fireplace sparkle.
Hex tiles can be customized with a variety of textures for a more personalized look. Stone-look tiles are a popular choice that give the room a rustic, classic feel. They also go well with natural materials, such as wood. Marble-look tile is another timeless option that provides an elegant and luxurious look to the room. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles shines beautifully, reflecting the sunlight and brightening the room.
The appropriate tile pattern can improve the design of a fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The pattern of the tile provides the appearance of a hand-crafted space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall style of the room.
If you're not sure about putting your faith in a pattern in your home, a fireplace is an excellent place to try out a bold style that might be a bit intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives the room a sophisticated but lively energy. The hexagonal shapes resemble cubes to create a stimulating layout. The deep brown color Fireplacesandstoves.uk creates an inviting, warm look that goes well with the industrial style.
Another way to make a statement with your fireplace is to use tiles that have the look of brick or another familiar material. This pattern-based tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar look to brick, but is much easier to maintain and clean.
Consider using a peel-and stick tile to upgrade your fireplace surround without breaking the bank. These tiles are resistant to heat which makes them suitable for fireplaces as well as able to be bonded to existing surfaces. This herringbone peel and stick tile is an excellent option that will bring an elegant look to any living space, and will look great with traditional furnishings.
Paint the Mantel
A fresh coat of paint is the ideal way to hide the brick surround on a wall-mounted fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different colour to give it a more cosy and spirited look. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it to the scheme of color in the room or choose something striking.
If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. If the dents aren't enough to be handled, fill them with wood putty and allow it to set for the appropriate amount of time. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it up before painting. To remove any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.
While white is a popular choice for fireplaces and walls, the right shade can make your mantel stand out. Check out the other wood trim, moldings and bookcases in your home for ideas. Do they use the same hue as your mantel? Or is it a lighter or a darker shade? If you choose the latter option, pick the color that works well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.
Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove the mantel and remove any showpieces or decorations that are hanging over it. If your fireplace is brick, remove any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or around it. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any soot or dust that has built up.
Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat from the fireplace, as well as other items that are placed on it. Allow the primer to completely dry, according to the instructions of the manufacturer, before you begin painting the main wall of the fireplace.
The brick can be quite heavy in both weight and color. The mantel painted with an even or light color can make it look brighter and more inviting for guests. If you decide to choose the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned piece of artwork or a large mirror above it to create a balanced look.